Reel Healing: Fish Skin Grafts to Treat Tendon Repair

Scarring and adhesion to adjacent soft tissue is the most common complication after tendon repair, restricting patients’ range of motion and preventing their return to normal activity.  These patients may be particularly vulnerable to complications due to: 

• Limited blood supply which can affect healing and increase re-tearing risk
• Early return to high-impact activities, placing stress on the repair
• High-velocity motion and anatomical positioning which may contribute to scar tissue and adhesions
• Age-related reduction in healing capacity combined with high mechanical forces
• Lateral tendon involvement where stabilization demand increases the risk of subluxation if not properly protected

These factors make early protection of the repair site critical to support healing and functional recovery.  

Kerecis intact fish skin-graft has FDA clearance for application in tendon injuries, and case studies have demonstrated that using intact fish skin-grafts can protect tendon repairs, reduce swelling, and preserve range of motion, helping patients recover faster than other dermal matrices, collagen patches, or synthetic grafts.  

Minimal processing preserves the natural structure, porosity, and molecular content of the graft which offers purposeful, natural components that create a protective environment around the repaired tendon.  During the inflammatory phase of healing when adhesion formation and scarring can compromise outcomes, these qualities of intact fish skin can be very beneficial.  

For example, in one case study a 60-year old female with no significant medical history incurred a pickleball incident resulting in an Achilles tendon rupture. Kerecis was applied, and I observed this patient having an easier experience with treatment than what I have seen with other treatments. At six weeks, the patient was ready to start physical therapy and at three months, she was able to resume her normal activities.  

Learn more and hear about additional case studies related to tendon repair and the versatile use of intact fish-skin for tendon protection and wounds in the operating room at the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons: 

Lunch symposium: 
Tuesday, Feb 24, 12:15-1:15PM
On the show floor
Ian Barron, DPM, FACFAS
Jonathan Richards, DPM

Kerecis Booth: 1238